Belgium

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 18, 2018 10:26 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESBelgium - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the current elevated threat of terrorism.Learn more about the safety and security situation.3. SECURITYCrimeViolent crime is uncommon; however, petty crimes (for example, pickpocketing and purse snatching) occur at major transportation hubs and tourist sites. Organized gangs have been known to target areas near the Grand Place/Grote Markt in Brussels, on public transportation and at airports, and the main railway stations in Brussels (Gare du Midi/Zuidstation and Gare du Nord/Noordstation), and Antwerp. Pickpockets often target passengers boarding or disembarking from public transportation or international train lines, such as Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam and Brussels–London. Never leave your luggage unattended.Be particularly cautious when approached by anyone asking odd questions, spilling food or drink, or telling you someone else has spilled something on your clothes because these are distraction tactics used by thieves. Carry only a minimal amount of cash when you go out.Ensure that valuables in vehicles are kept out of sight at all times. Thieves, often on motorbikes, have been known to break a car window while the car is stopped at a traffic light and snatch valuables from the front or back seat.Always be suspicious if someone offers to help you with a flat tire. These individuals may have punctured the tire themselves and seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects while you are distracted.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities, including Brussels, where on March 22, 2016, attacks occurred at the airport and the Maalbeek/Maelbeek metro station. Further attacks in Europe are likely .Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.Public alert systemThe Government of Belgium maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media (including social media).Current terrorism threat levels - Belgian Crisis Centre(in French only)You can also follow the centre on twitterEnhanced security measuresExpect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence.Events may be cancelled and places such as shopping centres, markets, and sport arenas may close without notice.There is also a heightened potential for police raids to take place with little to no warning. If you are in an area where a police raid is being conducted, remain indoors and close all windows and blinds. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.Road safetyRoads are in reasonable condition and roadside assistance is available.Be aware of the “priority to the right” system, whereby drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.Visibility is frequently obscured by rain and fog.Public transportationAll major cities have metered taxis. Public transportation is widely available.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesBrussels airport is operating with increased security measures due to the March 22, 2016 attacks. Consult Brussels airport for the latest information, including on additional security checks, which could cause delays for departing passengers. Contact your transportation carrier to find out how the situation could affect your travel plans.DemonstrationsAs the capital of the European Union and headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels frequently experiences large-scale protests and widespread demonstrations by various interest groups. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, which have the potential to suddenly turn violent, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.General safety informationExercise normal safety precautions. Ensure your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, especially on public transportation.There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from Belgian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen areaBelgium is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsTemporary border controlsThe Belgian government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. Canadians may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Belgium, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.VisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*Work visa: Required* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.Canadians must obtain a resident visa for stays exceeding 90 days.Other requirementsCustoms officials may ask you to show them a return ticket, proof of the purpose of your visit or proof of sufficient funds for your stay. If you are planning to stay in private accommodations, you must report your intentions to the municipal authorities (commune/gemeente) upon arrival in Belgium.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesExcellent healthcare facilities are widely available in Belgium. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Belgium are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Belgium to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Belgian authorities.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Belgium.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Belgium, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipCanadian citizens who have dual citizenship are subject to Belgian laws, such as mandatory voting. To determine your status, contact the Embassy of Belgium or one of its consulates.IdentificationCarry adequate identification, such as a passport or a residence permit, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.DrivingAn International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for visitors. You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Belgium.A Canadian driver's licence and an IDP are no longer valid once you have obtained residence status in Belgium. Before it expires, you may exchange your driver's licence issued by the provinces of Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario or Quebec for a Belgian driver's licence in the Belgian municipality where you reside. If you hold a driver's licence from another province, check with that province's licence authority whether reciprocal recognition with Belgium has been established. To obtain a Belgian driver's licence, you must pass courses and tests, and you can expect to wait six months to a year to be able to drive legally and unaccompanied.Speeding causes many accidents. Strict laws are in place to improve traffic safety. Belgian police use speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles throughout the country. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are very high and police can collect them on the spot. Vehicles may be impounded for failure to pay.Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. Convicted offenders can expect to pay heavy fines and their driver's licence may be confiscated immediately.The use of a cellphone while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device.See the European Commission's Road Safety for more information.MoneyThe currency of Belgium is the euro (EUR).Credit cards are widely accepted and automated banking machines are widely available.When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission's cash controls website.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEBelgium has a temperate climate with little variation from one region to another.

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